Alabama did not get off to the start it was looking for against Tennessee as it trails the Volunteers 20-7 at the break.
As Nick Saban prepares his team to start the second half there are a handful of essential changes that need to be made in order for the Crimson Tide to come out on top.
Below are the three things that must change for Alabama:
Start winning the third down battle
Part of what dug Alabama into its hole in the first half was the inability to convert on third down and extend drives. The Crimson Tide offense did not make its first conversion until roughly the nine-minute mark of the second quarter when Jalen Milroe connected with Jermaine Burton on a 23-yard pass. On the day Alabama is just 2-of-6 on third down which won’t cut it if it intends to get back in the game. Milroe and the offense will need to get themselves into more third and manageable situations and take advantage of the positioning.
Get more pressure on Joe Milton
In weeks prior the Alabama defense had excelled at getting pressure on the quarterback, but so far Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton has seen far too many clean pockets. Milton has completed 16-of-22 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns through two quarters as the Crimson Tide front has recorded just one quarterback hit and no sacks. Whether it’s winning the individual battles or Kevin Steele designing it, the pressure needs to come from the Crimson Tide.
Gain consistency in the run game
Running the ball when trailing isn’t ideal, but it’s where the identity of this Alabama offense lies. Alabama is averaging roughly two yards per carry and running back Jase McClellan leads the team with just 36 yards total on the ground. Getting more consistent rushes will only better position Alabama for success on third down and other play-action options Tommy Rees can cook up.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
